7.7: Afterthoughts on the Algorithms
Based on the results of the two case studies, these algorithms work exactly as this author intended. While the reader may find this method of determining physical feasibility to be overly simple and obvious, one must remember that they have been designed with non-technical people in mind. It may not be obvious to laymen that running fibre becomes impossible when there is a mountain between them and the nearest backbone. These algorithms also shed light on other technologies for people or communities who may only be fixated on getting DSL and cable; it helps them to “think outside the box”. For the results of the algorithms to be truly useful to the user, some knowledge of their location's geography and existing infrastructure is required. It is expected that once the user has obtained the results from the algorithms, they will expand on them using their own knowledge of the unique traits of their location. Furthermore, it is expected that the user will apply his or her own knowledge of the economic situation in his or her location to reach some conclusion on the economic feasibility of each technology. Because of their ability to assess the physical feasibility of these broadband technologies, and, more importantly to help people discover and differentiate between the available technologies, these algorithms have proven to be valuable tools.
© Jake Cormier, 2006 [jake (at) stormcloudstudios.com]
Completed as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science (specialized)
Department of Computer Science :: Algoma University College :: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario :: Spring 2006